The Youth Commission is spearheading the project. Broadalbin-Perth Central School District Superintendent Stephen Tomlinson, who is a member of the commission's town park committee, gave the presentation on the project's progress. He came to the meeting along with other Youth Commission members.
Tomlinson said he predicts many new houses will be built in the town in the near future, especially with the recent establishment of a new Advanced Micro Devices chip plant in Malta, Saratoga County, which has created plenty of new jobs in the region. Because of that, there will be an increased need for an open space that would feature large baseball and soccer fields, a walking track and a large parking lot.
Tomlinson said he also hopes there will someday be family reunions at the site.
"Essentially, we are building this to bring pleasure to every town resident," Tomlinson said as Youth Commission Director Lou Magliocca held up a drawing of the park for all to see.
The town has agreed to fund about $70,000 of the cost of the park, which would be built on town land bordering the south side of Route 29 near Stevers Mills Road. The Youth Commission will contribute about $20,000, according to its members.
Youth Commission member Keith Buchanan said the group will attempt to raise about $2 million for the project. He said there is, as yet, no defined timetable for the fundraising.
Tomlinson said the group will soon begin an aggressive fundraising effort, and the Youth Commission will host a Broadalbin Homeshow and Craft Fair Feb. 27 and 28 in an attempt to raise money. He said he also will look to mobilize politicians such as Assemblyman Marc Butler, R-Newport, to get involved in the effort.
Tomlinson said he hopes to put copies of the park drawing in prominent, visible places throughout the town.
"If we're going to create excitement in the community, and I mean every member of the community, we need to advertise this," Tomlinson said.
The town, he said, should play an important role in the park's planning and creation.
"Ultimately, you hold the key to success with this project because you essentially own the land," Tomlinson said.
Town Board members said they support the project.
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